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Welcome, Class of 2015!

By Abby RhodesAugust 19, 2011

Incoming freshmen and returning students will have no time this week to mourn the carefree days of summer vacation. Bradley welcomes the class of 2015 and upperclassmen this weekend with hour-by-hour activities including the first Late Night BU event of the 2011-2012 school year, Taste of Bradley, Freshman Convocation and countless other events.

“Campus truly comes alive at the beginning of the fall semester with the energy and enthusiasm of our students,” said Bradley President Joanne K. Glasser. “We are honored to welcome another class of incoming freshmen who have already achieved tremendous academic success and will no doubt realize even greater dreams at Bradley with the guidance of our dedicated faculty.”

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Michelle Whited, director of student activities, said Welcome Week is an opportunity for her staff to give students a taste of what they can expect year-round – a vibrant, interactive campus with limitless opportunities to get involved. “During Welcome Week, students will really see that Bradley is a very fun place to be. Academics are top priority, but everything you do outside the classroom is very important in terms of gaining leadership skills, stress relief and overall health and wellness,” Whited said.

Freshman Liz Thompson of Clarksville, Md., will look for opportunities this week to carry her high school involvement into her university career. Monday’s Activities and Volunteer Fair will be a good place to start. Representatives from the University’s roughly 250 student organizations will share information about their groups with students on Olin Quad.

“I was a softball team manager in high school, so I hope to somehow support the team here, too,” Thompson said. “I love baseball, so I’m also really excited about the President’s Night Out at the Peoria Chiefs game on Thursday.”

Awarded “Student of the Session” during new student orientation this week, Thompson is already building friendships and demonstrating leadership qualities that will serve her well as she begins her coursework in Bradley’s nationally recognized Department of Communication on Wednesday.

“I first visited Bradley last August when campus was still very calm and serene, like it has been this week, but I’ve heard that it’s going to get very exciting very quickly this weekend,” said Thompson.

The rumors are true. Starting with an All-School Block Party on Fredonia Street this Saturday evening, campus will come alive with the invigorating sights and sounds of a promising new school year on the Hilltop.